Hemel MP David Taylor leads 4.5k community walk to mark Mental Health Awareness Week
The 4.5km route was chosen to highlight a sobering national statistic: the 4.5-year life expectancy gap between men and women in the UK. With suicide remaining the leading cause of death for men under 50, the event focused on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging open conversation, and helping residents connect with local support services.
The walk, which started and finished at Camelot Rugby Club, saw strong support from local partners, including Hemel Hempstead Town FC, The Box Moor Trust, and DENS.
Among those on hand to chat with participants were representatives from Hertfordshire & Mid Essex Talking Therapies, an NHS service offering free support for issues like anxiety and depression to help people in Hemel and the Villages start feeling better.
Also walking was the team from Hector’s House, a local crisis prevention charity set up by the family of Hector Stringer, who tragically took his own life at just 18. Today, the charity works tirelessly to encourage people to talk openly about their feelings. Through their Eat, Move, Love campaign, wellbeing workshops, and community initiatives—such as HecTalk at the Box Moor Trust and Hector’s Gentle‑Man’s Club (HGMC)—they provide safe, judgment-free spaces for local men to connect, try new things, and build community.
Speaking to the crowd, David Taylor MP said: “I want to thank every single person who turned out today to show that in Hemel, no one has to walk alone. This 4.5k distance is a poignant reminder of the years we lose to the mental health crisis—lives that are cut short far too often.
“I am particularly proud to be joined by Hemel Town FC and Camelot Rugby Club. Their presence helps us reach men who might not otherwise talk about their struggles. We are backing this local effort with national action, including the recruitment of 8,500 new mental health workers and the launch of the first-ever Men’s Health Strategy to invest heavily in suicide prevention. We’re also expanding support to an extra 900,000 pupils across the country with the aim to reach all.
“Today is about our community and ensuring no one in Hemel feels they have to face their struggles alone. I want to thank everyone involved, including the Box Moor Trust for guiding us through their beautiful moors, Camelot Rugby Club for hosting, and our incredible local charities like Hector’s House for being a lifeline to so many.”
Residents looking for support can self-refer to NHS services at www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk or discover local men's groups and workshops via hectorshouse.org.uk.